Homecoming is an annual tradition at Linfield where alumni return, athletes play at home and we celebrate what it means to be a Wildcat. Whether watching the big football game or the fun on Streak Street is your favorite part, homecoming weekend is a special time. This homecoming in particular was very special because this year, we celebrate 100 years of being Wildcats.
Oct. 12 was a great day for football. It was a beautiful, sunny day with clear skies: the perfect atmosphere for a celebration. Upon walking Streak Street, one would find new additions to the normal home game attractions of the inflatable Mack, cornhole and food trucks. This homecoming Caturday, there was an All-Alumni tent, Dunk-a-Pike and Zeta’s “Think Pink” table.
The All-Alumni tent was open before the game and served as a place for alumni to enjoy the food on Streak Street and catch up with their fellow alumni. Dunk-a-Pike was a fundraiser for the McMinnville Fire Department where donors could pay $3 or $5 to “dunk” the Pike member of their choice. The fraternity successfully raised $700 for their philanthropy, the biggest total in recent years.
When asked about the Dunk-a-Pike fundraiser, Pike member Alexander Rosenquist said, “It was a great success and a great opportunity to engage with the Linfield community.”
“It was a fun way to give back to the fire department,” said Garrett Smith, another Pike member.
The Zeta “Think Pink” table featured bright, fun hair tinsel and, of course, their annual 50/50 raffle for breast cancer education and awareness. Zeta was able to raise $2,200 for their philanthropy.
The excitement did not end on Streak Street. Walking into Memorial Stadium brought a whole new wave of anticipation as the student section was filled with Wildcats in their best pink attire in support of breast cancer awareness and the stands were at full capacity. Special guest Abigail Hoppe, or Miss Oregon, joined the captains for the coin toss resulting in a Wildcat kickoff. If that didn’t invigorate students enough, Mack, followed by his security, enticed people to stand up and get fired up for the game. It was his big day after all.
The highlight of the celebration was half-time. This was the time when we fully embraced and appreciated being the Wildcats. Mack, in his 100-year jersey, was surprised with a big purple cake made by the cheer team followed by a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday.” He blew out his candles and made a wish. While he can’t tell us what he wished for or it won’t come true, if I had to guess, I would say he wished for another 100 years of Wildcats. Although Mack may have kept this cake all to himself, slices of cake were offered to spectators with a sweet tooth and something to celebrate. The celebration became that much sweeter with a 47-14 Wildcat win over the Lewis & Clark Pioneers.
While we may not be around for the 200-year homecoming celebration, we can carry the sentiment with us through future games, classes and careers. The sentiment of what it means to be a Wildcat.
